Effect of low‑frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on cognitive function in rats with medial...

Epilepsy, especially the medial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), can result in cognitive impairment. Low‑frequency repetitive magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been verified to suppress neural excitability and reduce seizures. Given its potential in modifying cortical activity, we aimed to investigate its impact on cognitive function in the context of epilepsy, a condition where the use of rTMS has not been extensively explored. However, the influence on cognitive function has not yet been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of low‑frequency rTMS on cognitive improvement in epileptic rats. Rats used in this study were randomly divided into five groups: the sham group, the epilepsy group, and three epilepsy groups treated with rTMS at different frequencies. Each group underwent the Morris water maze test to investigate hippocampus‑dependent episodic memory, to evaluate their cognitive performance. Further assessments included patch clamp and western blot techniques to estimate the synaptic function in the hippocampus. Comparison between groups showed that low‑frequency rTMS significantly reduced spontaneous recurrent seizures and improved spatial learning and memory impairment in epileptic rats. Additionally, rTMS remodeled the synaptic plasticity affected by seizures and notably enhanced the expression of AMPAR and synaptophysin. Low‑frequency rTMS can antagonize the cognitive impairment caused by TLE, and promote synaptic connections.